Pacific Grove, CA, June 14, 2021 — Facing perhaps its most profound set of challenges since it opened in 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History couldn’t help but experience changes during this past year. Change is a natural process in life — also seen over time in the very ecosystems the museum celebrates.

On Friday, July 2, the general public is invited to the aptly named Changes of Monterey exhibit, and meet the museum’s new Executive Director Carla Bitter. Despite being closed for much of 2020, the museum designed and launched “Changes,” which celebrates the habitats of Monterey County and raises awareness about human impacts on our delicate ecosystems over time. The exhibit shows that humans have the ability to make choices that will lead to positive changes in our local environment. It will be a day of wonder from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with special evening activities during Pacific Grove’s First Friday celebrations from 6-9 p.m.

Bitter’s 20-year professional museum career has spanned field archaeology, science museums and zoo programs, outreach and exhibit development, with a career highlight as the EPO Manager (Education & Public Outreach) for NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander Mission.

Hired at PGMNH in April, Bitter has helped develop and led an array of science and museum experiences, with positions at the Museum of Flight, Woodland Park Zoo, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C.), and the NSF Science & Technology Center, devoted to arid land and riparian hydrology at the University of Arizona. Bitter has served on multiple NASA, NOAA and IMLS (Institution of Museum and Library Services) review panels in support of climate, earth and space science public education. A biologist with an MS in molecular genetics/conservation ecology, Bitter places great emphasis on public science communication of complex topics through education programs, exhibits and community outreach.

Currently open Friday through Monday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) with Thursday being added on July 1st. Following CA guidelines, we will be open to full capacity by June 15 and masks will still be required. In addition, The museum will remain open on Independence Day, Sunday, July 4, with regular hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir and Louis Aggasiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for over 130 years. The museum's mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org